Africa

Chad

{This graph represents scores that have been modified by CIMA so that higher scores indicate a better media situation. It is intended to show trends over time; each index measures significantly different factors of press freedom. To see an explanation for how this graph was created, click here.}
 

IREX Description:

Chad's political struggles continued through the past year, with several ups and downs. In May 2009, after months of increasing violence, Chad and Sudan signed an accord to normalize relations. Rebels based in Sudan's Darfur region launched another attack soon thereafter, and violence escalated for several months. Both sides met again in October to confirm their commitment to peace, but ongoing differences simmer. Meanwhile, Chad is hosting approximately 180,000 internally displaced people and 320,000 refugees from Darfur and the Central African Republic.

Following an attempted coup in 2008, the government cracked down on the press, passing Decree No. 5, a restrictive new press law that "increased the maximum penalty for false news and defamation to three years in prison, and the maximum penalty for insulting the president to five years. It also requires permission from both the prosecutor's office and the HCC (Higher Communication Council) to establish a newspaper." Although the state of emergency was lifted, Decree No. 5 stands. Pressure from the authorities has driven many journalists into exile or hiding; other journalists cope with the threat of prison through self-censorship.

In addition to dealing with harassment and legal pressure, the independent media are feeling the strain of the difficult economic environment. Human rights and religious organizations sponsor many private radio outlets. Poor management practices, lack of revenue sources, and widespread corruption have placed the notion of sustainability seemingly out of reach for the time being, and many journalists say that they do not have the resources to do their jobs well. Salaries for journalists are low, and across all media sectors, much of the equipment dates back to the 1960s. Options to obtain a degree in journalism are extremely limited, and most journalists in Chad train abroad. Still, Chad has a number of private and community radio stations, and the government allows access to domestic and international sources, including the Internet—although geography and cost limit access to available news.

Read more on IREX’s site…
 

Freedom House Description:

• Chad’s constitution allows for freedom of expression, but authorities have routinely used threats and legal provisions to censor critical reporting.
• In response to a February 2008 coup attempt, the government imposed a new press law, Decree No. 5, which increased the maximum penalty for false news and defamation to three years in prison, and the maximum penalty for insulting the president to five years. It also requires permission from both the prosecutor’s office and the High Council of Communication (HCC), Chad’s media regulatory body, to establish a newspaper; previously it was only necessary to register with the Ministry of Commerce. Separately, the HCC banned reporting on the activities of rebels and any other information that could harm national unity.
   

Read more on Freedom House’s site…

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